VP, Safety and Flight Compliance - UAS

DroneUp, LLC was born out of a vision to make autonomous flight great for communities, great for business, and great for the world. Yet more than visionaries; we have the tools, instruments, focus, and expertise to execute while utilizing a “People Matter Most” mentality.

Our founder envisioned a massive, untapped opportunity to leverage autonomous flight that would revolutionize how the world may "pitch" and "roll" in the future. To start, we have harnessed the power of airspace technology, analytics platforms, and drone services to transform business operations. Our long-term mission is to be “Safe and Be Exceptional” while building and deploying the world's most accessible drone ecosystem.

Ranked in the top 25 of LinkedIn Top Startups 2022, DroneUp is Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Virginia and provides drone delivery service in 34 locations across six states in partnership with the #1 retailer in the world, Walmart, Inc.

In 2022 DroneUp was on the list of "Next Big Things in Tech" but we are more than just invested in the drone ecosystem; we are equally invested in our people and landed successfully as a certified "Great Place to Work" in 2023. Knowing that our mission critical success comes directly from the people we bring onboard, we strive to provide opportunities for our employees to learn, grow, and go beyond the normal Field of View! Come fly with us as our team goes through our checklists that will “Inspire Fast Action” and take an entire industry to new heights. “Be a Person Others Want to Follow!”

Position Summary:

DroneUp is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to join our team as the VP of Safety and Flight Compliance - UAS. In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance for our organization. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of part 135 and part 107 operating requirements and have a proven track record of successfully leading and motivating teams. They will work closely with the FAA to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations. The ideal candidate will have a background in development and implementation of policy and procedures as well as record keeping management.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of safety and compliance operations, including risk assessment, safety audits, incident reporting, and investigation processes.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify and address potential safety hazards, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with all applicable regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to operational teams to ensure adherence to safety protocols and procedures.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies to continuously improve safety and compliance practices.
• Monitor internal records including, but not limited to in-house pilot records, flight logs, maintenance, and event reports and make recommendations to management as needed.
• Interface with local officials and Primary Point of contact with FAA personnel as necessary.
• Execute airspace authorizations and waiver requests as necessary.
• Lead and motivate a team of safety and compliance professionals, providing guidance, training, and performance feedback.
• Foster a culture of safety awareness and accountability throughout the organization.
• Responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive safety and flight compliance policies and procedure programs in accordance with part 135 regulations and industry best practices to ensure successful operations of the Flight Department and management operations.
• Will be tasked with managing DroneUp’s IPP, 135 application, 44807 Exemption and waiver application as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation, Engineering, or related field. Advanced degree preferred
• Extensive experience in aviation safety and flight compliance, preferably in a part 135 environment
• Strong knowledge of part 135 operating requirements, FAA regulations, and industry standards
• 5+ years previous management experience
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels
• High attention to detail and experience with document generation and recordkeeping
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively in a face-paced, dynamic environment
• Understanding of record keeping procedures as specified in FARs 91, 135, and other applicable regulations
• Knowledge of aircraft type certification, or 49 U.S.C. 44807 processes
• Part 107 required; additional licenses such as PPL/Commercial/CFI preferred

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Basic & Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Legal Services
• Identity Protection
• Accident Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Holiday)

Salary:

Just like drones themselves, your earning potential can soar to new heights, but it largely depends on your qualifications and expertise. The target salary range for this position is $175,000-$200,000. Your unique qualifications and contributions to the field will play a significant role in determining your precise compensation. The total rewards for this position may also include; potential for annual bonuses, benefits package, paid time off, and more.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy:

DroneUp is committed to hiring and developing the most qualified individuals, regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, disability or other protected characteristics. DroneUp subscribes to the equal employment opportunity requirements of applicable law. It is the policy of DroneUp to ensure equal opportunity to all employees and applicants in all employment matters, including, but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, placement, compensation, training, promotion, and separation. In these and all activities, DroneUp does not discriminate against any qualified individual because of sex, age, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, sexual preference, gender identity disability, handicap, liability for service in the United States Armed Forces, veteran status, and/or any other legally protected characteristic.

Any individual who feels that he or she may have been discriminated against in violation of this policy is strongly encouraged to immediately contact his or her supervisor or any member of DroneUp management. Any member of DroneUp management who is notified of alleged discrimination is required to immediately report the incident to the HR Department.

DroneUp will thoroughly investigate all such claims with due regard for the privacy of the individuals involved. Any employee who knowingly retaliates against an employee who has reported workplace discrimination will be subject to immediate corrective action, up to and potentially including termination of employment.

Security Responsibility Statement: Employees are expected to provide a high level of security to any personal or private information accessed as part of their work, whether at a DroneUp facility or remotely. This includes participating in security training, remaining sensitive to individual rights to personal privacy, and complying with company policies. Employees who have access to sensitive data that is protected by regulation, such as HIPAA, or by contract, such as credit card data, must comply with any additional requirements dictated by the governing regulations or associated contracts.